Alleged Marine killer headed to trial

VICTORVILLE • A man accused of beating a cable worker to death with a ball-peen hammer was ordered to stand trial by a Victorville judge Wednesday.

The ruling came in spite of two key witnesses testifying they didn't remember the attack. Eight months ago, those same witnesses had told an investigator in a recorded interview they saw Johnny Acosta, 46, suddenly assault cable worker Trevor John Neiman.

Deputy District Attorney Robert Brown asked Monica Steel if she had seen her uncle smack Neiman, who was installing a cable system. Steel admitted she was in the room with them when the Nov. 9 attack took place.

"I don't remember. I was completely in shock," Steel said on a witness stand across from Acosta, her uncle, in a green jumpsuit.

Neiman, a 25-year-old from Phelan who served three tours in Iraq, was installing a cable system at Acosta's relative's house in the 15200 block of San Jose Drive in Victorville when he was killed.

After his arrest, Acosta admitted he became enraged talking to his sister, picked up a hammer and struck Neiman in the head without having any conversation with the victim, Detective Steven Pennington said.

Although officials found methamphetamine at Acosta's residence, Pennington said Acosta showed no signs of intoxication during the interview.

Acosta can face up to 75 years to life in prison if convicted, as he has two prior offenses that could be considered strikes. He had been convicted of manslaughter and attempted rape, but was released early for the credit he earned.

For the full story, including more witness testimony and comments from Neiman's family, read Thursday's Daily Press. To subscribe to the Daily Press in print or online, call (760) 241-7755, 1-800-553-2006 or click here.

Tomoya Shimura may be reached at tshimura@VVDailyPress.com or (760) 955-5368.